Yugma - Collabrating to socially distance Covid-19
Second wave of Covid-19 led to unprecedented challenges to the public health system in
Hubli-Dharwad, Karnataka. This book documents the successful covid relief initiatives by
Deshpande Foundation in partnership with Dharwad District Administration with an aim to save
lives.
Deshpande Foundation continues its support to the District Administration in combating the
second wave of Covid-19
Understanding the critical situation in the country due to the covid-19 pandemic and the
challenges faced by the government with respect to its health care system, Deshpande
Foundation has identified the need gap and has come forward again as in 2020 to support the
District Administration through its areas of strength such as technology, operations,
infrastructure, human resource etc. The foundation strongly believes that the support
initiatives and pandemic relief efforts could make a difference in battling through the
covid-19 situation in the district of Dharwad.
In the first week of May 2021, Deshpande Foundation provided 300 cots and beds to the Dharwad
District Hospital and Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi. Deshpande
Skilling Centre hostel infrastructure has been provided as a quarantine facility which can
accommodate a maximum of 750 patients at any given period. The volunteers of the foundation
are also providing the hygiene kit to the daily wagers and vagabonds. The foundation is also
assisting the District Administration as capacity builders and knowledge partners as per the
exigencies.
The foundation’s covid-19 task force is working round the clock with the District
Administration and it is committed to provide not just the immediate covid-19 relief
requirements but also additional support that may be required for Hubballi-Dharwad in the
coming days.
Deshpande Foundation harnesses resources to support Covid-19 crisis efforts
In a few short weeks, the advent of the Covid-19 virus has changed the world dramatically. Who
would have imagined the striking changes that have happened in such a short time? Around the
globe countries have curbed activities, closed establishments and imposed stay at home policies.
Many activities have been cancelled or postponed. The foundation too has gone virtual and is
repurposing its efforts to address the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. We
would like to highlight some of the ongoing work in the following articles.
The Deshpande Foundation salutes all the frontline workers and volunteers who are working day and
night to protect people and curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus. We hope you stay safe and
healthy.
Regards,
Vivek Pawar
CEO, Deshpande Foundation
Deshpande Foundation Startups build and hand over Covid-19 tracking dashboard to local
administration
As a result of discussions with local authorities, the Deshpande Foundation identified several
data related challenges in tracking and monitoring Covid-19 cases as they get identified.
Working closely with the District Commissioner, Deepa Cholan, Hubballi Dharwad Municipal
Corporation Commissioner Suresh Itnal and BRTS DGM Ganesh Rathod and their teams, the foundation
harnessed the help of two Deshpande Startup companies, LinkEZ and DocketRun to develop a
tracking solution. Within 48 hours, the two companies working closely with the Smart Cities team
built a robust dashboard that provides real time information on Covid cases, location of hot
spots and helps identify if facilities are available to accommodate new cases.
Deshpande Foundation delivers 15,000 face masks to Zilla Parishad offices made by
Navodyami micro-entrepreneurs
The Deshpande Foundation has taken the initiative to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by providing
the best quality “Safe Masks”. Harnessing the efforts of over 50 women micro-entrepreneurs that
are part of the Foundation’s Navodyami micro-entrepreneurship program, it was able to produce
over 15,000 masks that were delivered to the local Zilla Parishad’s office. The masks were made
to the highest standards using 100% cotton cloth with triple layer design to increase
protection. The masks meet durability and washing standards as per WHO. They are tested with the
standard candle blow test to ensure no particle penetration. The masks donated to the Zilla
Parishad will be distributed to Municipal Corporation, Police and other frontline institutions.
In addition, masks are being made for donors and individuals also. While the masks are being
donated to organizations, the masks provide a sustainable livelihood for the women
micro-entrepreneurs.
Deshpande Startup’s Boonbox and Freshboxx help deliver essentials in city and rural areas
A major problem during the Covid lockdown was people going out to buy essential items and food
and violating the social distancing norms. The Foundation partnered with Boonbox, an established
e-commerce company with deep penetration into rural India. Working together with Boonbox, the
combined resources of Deshpande Startups and the Deshpande Foundation Agriculture,
Micro-entrepreneurship and Skilling teams helped provide supplies in rural areas. This was
especially important in rural areas which struggle to find essentials. In addition, Freshboxx,
another Deshpande Startup, used its resources to distribute groceries and vegetables within
Hubballi-Dharwad. The robust partnership with local authorities helped to arrange for the
necessary passes to ensure smooth deliveries.
Dr. Abhay Jere holds online session with Deshpande Foundation founder
Deshpande Foundation founder Dr. Gururaj ‘Desh’ Deshpande was invited to participate in and
online Leadership Talk hosted by Dr. Abhay Jere, Chief Innovation Officer, Ministry of HRD, Govt
of India and National Coordinator-Project 'Manav'-Human Atlas Initiative. In wide ranging
conversation with Dr. Jere, Desh encouraged students to take advantage of the current Covid
crisis to look for opportunities to make a difference. With the time available, they should look
to become problem solvers and come up with new ideas. The talk was well received with nearly
10,000 views online. You can hear the entire conversation at:www.pscp.tv/w/1lPKqVoNRDnGb?t=329
